Maybe your child's teacher has gently suggested an assessment. Maybe your teen holds it together all day at school, then falls apart the moment they get home. Or maybe you've been reading about autism whilst scrolling online and recognising yourself in almost every line.
However you got here, you probably have one big question: what actually is autism?
This guide explains it plainly. We'll cover what autism looks like, what the diagnostic manual says, what the support levels mean, and why the language around autism has changed.
Autism is a different way of experiencing the world
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. It shapes how a person communicates, connects with others, processes sensory information, and makes sense of the world around them.
It isn't an illness, and it isn't caused by parenting. It's a different brain, with its own strengths, challenges, and ways of doing things.
Every autistic person is different. Two autistic children in the same classroom might look nothing alike. That's why a careful, individual assessment matters so much.
The two core areas of autism
Clinicians look at two broad areas when they think about autism.
1. Differences in social communication and interaction
Autistic people often communicate and connect in ways that differ from what's typical. This might include:
Back-and-forth connection: conversations might feel less natural, or a person might share information in depth rather than trading small talk.
Non-verbal communication: eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice might be used or read differently.
Relationships: making, keeping, or understanding friendships might feel confusing or tiring, even when a person deeply wants connection.
Many autistic people, especially girls, teens, and adults, learn to "mask" these differences. They copy others, rehearse conversations, and push through discomfort. Masking can hide autism from the outside, but it's often exhausting on the inside.
2. Repetitive or focused patterns of behaviour, interests, or sensory responses
The second area covers patterns that bring comfort, focus, or regulation. These might include:
Repetitive movements, speech, or use of objects, such as rocking, hand-flapping, lining things up, or repeating phrases.
A strong need for sameness or routine, where unexpected changes feel genuinely distressing.
Deep, focused interests that are unusually intense, like trains, a favourite game, animals, or a particular topic.
Sensory differences, such as being very sensitive (or under-sensitive) to sounds, textures, lights, smells, pain, or temperature.
These aren't "bad habits." They often help autistic people feel calm, safe, and in control.
What the DSM-5-TR says about autism
In Australia, psychologists diagnose autism using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), published in 2022.
The DSM-5-TR uses clinical, deficit-based wording. We describe the same features as differences, but here's what the manual requires for a diagnosis:
Social communication and interaction: ongoing differences across multiple settings, shown in all three of these areas: social-emotional reciprocity, non-verbal communication, and developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
Restricted or repetitive patterns: at least two of four features: repetitive movements, speech, or use of objects; insistence on sameness or routines; highly focused interests; and sensory differences.
Early development: signs are present from early childhood, even if they don't become obvious until life's demands increase, or until masking stops working.
Real-life impact: the differences have a significant effect on daily life, such as school, work, relationships, or home.
Not better explained by something else: the clinician must consider other explanations, including intellectual disability.
The formal diagnostic name in the manual is "autism spectrum disorder." In everyday conversation, and throughout this blog, we simply say autism.
What do levels 1, 2, and 3 mean?
When someone is diagnosed, the psychologist also describes their current support needs. The DSM-5-TR uses three levels:
Level 1: requiring support. The person may manage many parts of daily life independently, but they still find some areas hard, like starting conversations, adjusting to change, or organising their day. Without support, these challenges can have a real impact.
Level 2: requiring substantial support. Differences are more noticeable to others, and the person needs more help in social situations and when dealing with change, even with support in place.
Level 3: requiring very substantial support. The person has significant support needs in communication and daily living, and changes in routine or focus can be very distressing.
Two things are worth knowing:
Levels are rated separately for social communication and for repetitive or focused patterns. A person might be level 1 in one area and level 2 in the other.
Levels can change. They describe support needs right now, not who someone is or who they'll become. Needs often shift with age, environment, and the right support.
Why we don't use functioning labels anymore
You may have heard phrases like "high-functioning" or "low-functioning." These labels aren't used in diagnosis, and many autistic people find them unhelpful or hurtful.
Here's why:
They hide struggles. Calling someone "high-functioning" can mean their real challenges, like burnout, anxiety, or exhaustion from masking, get overlooked.
They hide strengths. Calling someone "low-functioning" can lead others to underestimate what they understand and what they're capable of.
Functioning isn't fixed. The same person might cope well on a calm day and find everything overwhelming on a busy one.
Talking about support needs is more accurate and more respectful. It focuses on what someone needs to thrive, rather than ranking people.
For the same reason, we don't lead with the formal "disorder" label or its abbreviation. Many autistic people prefer identity-first language, such as "autistic person," and we follow each person's lead.
Autism test vs autism assessment: what's the difference?
It's easy to find an online autism test. These quizzes can be a useful starting point for reflection, but they can't diagnose autism.
A formal autism assessment is different. It's a structured process with a registered psychologist, using standardised, autism-specific measures. It draws on information from different parts of life, like home, school, and work, to build a full picture of the person.
If you'd like to understand the process in more detail, you can read about our autism assessments.
What an autism assessment with us looks like
At Fielding Feelings Psychology, assessments are led by Megan Fielding, a registered Clinical, Educational and Developmental Psychologist who focuses on comprehensive psychological assessments across the lifespan. Megan talks openly about being autistic and ADHD herself, so she understands what it's like to sit on the other side of the room.
Our approach is neuroaffirming. That means we aim to understand how your child's brain works, not to "fix" who they are. We look at strengths as well as challenges, and we take time to put families at ease.
An autism assessment with us typically includes conversations with you and your child, standardised assessment measures, and information from teachers or other people who know your child well. Megan also works collaboratively with schools, providing recommendations that can help teachers build Individual Learning Plans.
Some families also want to explore other areas at the same time, such as ADHD, learning, or cognitive skills. You can see the full range on our assessments page.
We publish our fees on our website and provide an upfront quote, so you'll know the full cost before your first appointment. You can view our current pricing on the fees page.
Ready to take the next step?
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you're wondering whether autism might be part of your child's story, or your own, we're here to talk it through.
Get in touch with our team to ask a question or book an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an autism assessment in Melbourne?
Most people start with a short email or phone call. We'll ask a little about what's prompting the question, then find a time that works. You don't need a tidy explanation before you reach out.
What's the difference between an autism test and an autism assessment?
An online "autism test" is a self-screening quiz, which is not a formal diagnosis. A formal autism assessment is a structured process with a registered psychologist, using standardised, autism-specific measures and information across settings to build a full picture.
Can adults get an autism assessment?
Yes. We assess children, teens, and adults for autism. Adult assessments are common. Many people are identified later in life, often after recognising themselves in what they've read.
Do I need a referral for an autism assessment?
No. You don't need a referral to book an autism assessment with us. Some people involve their GP for continuity of care, but it isn't required to get started.
